Kanchanaburi Travel Guide

General information about Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi (Kanchanaburi) is a city and province of the same name in central Thailand, west of Bangkok (Kanchanaburi on the map of Thailand). The city itself is quite small, its population is slightly more than 50 thousand people. At the same time, although the province is not densely populated, it occupies the third place in the country in terms of area, amounting to 19,483 square meters, which is about two times less than the area of the Moscow region.

Both the city and the province are popular sightseeing tourist destinations. This region has gained particular popularity because of the famous railway bridge over the River Kwai located here, which was built during World War II by Western prisoners of war captured by the Japanese. This is the most famous historical landmark of the province, associated with the tragic events that occurred in the prisoner of war camp during the construction of the railway and bridge, and were later reflected in the novel and filmed. In addition to the bridge, Kanchanaburi has several museums of the Second World War, war memorial cemeteries, and a pleasant tourist atmosphere. There is no abundance of entertainment in the city, but you can't call it a village either: there are many bars and restaurants, a night market.

But the bridge over the river Kwai is far from the only thing that attracts tourists here. The province is considered one of the most beautiful in the central part of Thailand. There are several national parks here at once; the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Thailand – Erawan; caves; several waterfalls; hot radon springs; elephant parks where you can ride these animals through the jungle, or take care of them. Also, the province is located on the border with Myanmar (Burma), and tourists can cross the border crossing into this country.

• Erawan Waterfall
• Erawan Waterfall
• Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi Waterfall
• Phrathat Cave

There are also several unique historical and cultural attractions scattered throughout Kanchanaburi province, which surprise with their scale and beauty, but are still little known among tourists. So, you should definitely visit the historical park Prasat Muang Sing, reminiscent of the Khmer Anchor Wat in miniature. And the Tiger Cave Temple Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) can be safely called one of the most interesting and beautiful temples in Thailand, and definitely the most beautiful in the province. In addition to beautiful statues and statues of the Buddha, it houses the mummy of a monk.

Sightseeing tours to Kanchanaburi for one or two nights from popular resorts in central Thailand, such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Samet Island, Chang Island, etc., are particularly popular with tourists. During such tours, depending on the excursion program, they visit historical and natural attractions, swim in hot springs, ride elephants through the jungle and swim in the river, make rafting on the River Kwai, and spend the night in a floating hotel or tent camp in the National Park. Such excursions are offered everywhere, but their routes are generally quite standard, they pass along beaten hiking trails.

If this route does not suit you, it is much cheaper and without any difficulties to make a trip to Kanchanaburi on your own, which will not be difficult even for inexperienced tourists. To do this, study our detailed guide to the city and Province of Kanchanaburi for independent travelers and tourists:

• How and how to get to Kanchanaburi, what to use to travel
• Hotels to stay in Kanchanaburi
• Sights of Kanchanaburi, what to see
• Sights of Kanchanaburi province, what to see
• Map of Kanchanaburi Province

Weather in Kanchanaburi, tourist seasons

Although Kanchanaburi is not a beach resort, the season of the year for visiting the province is also important. And although it is warm here all year round, during the rainy season, the impressions of excursions can be much worse. In total there are three seasons during the year:

• The hot season is from February to May. This is the hottest time of the year, the temperature reaches 38 degrees, there is little rain.
• The rainy season is from June to October. This is the rainiest time of the year with heavy downpours and cloud cover, especially in June, and sometimes rains begin as early as May. In general, not the best time and low tourist season, but if there is no other way out, then you can go at this time. Just keep in mind that heavy rains can fall for several hours a day, and it will not be possible to take beautiful photos because of the overcast sky.
• The dry season (cold season) is from November to January. At this time, there is little precipitation, and the most suitable temperature for traveling is around 25 degrees. This is the highest season.

Seasons in Kanchanaburi by month:

Current weather in Kanchanaburi and forecast

Tourist infrastructure in Kanchanaburi province

Kanchanaburi province is far from a God–forsaken place. Accommodation can be found almost everywhere here, even in the most remote towns and villages, and tourists are welcome everywhere. Floating hotels on the River Kwai are especially popular, and advanced travelers can stay in a tent in the campsites of national parks.

But the main tourist center with a developed infrastructure is located in the city of Kanchanaburi. It is from here that you should start your journey through the province, as there are a large number of hotels, guest houses and hostels, many travel agencies offering tours of the province, car and motorcycle rentals, massage parlors and spas. There is also a tourist street with bars, restaurants and shops.

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Shopping in Kanchanaburi

The city of Kanchanaburi cannot be called a shopping center, but here you can buy souvenirs and goods that cannot be found anywhere else. One of the main souvenirs that can be brought from here is elephant paper. This is the kind of paper that is made from elephant waste. Of course, it is not the paper itself that is being sold, but souvenirs made from it: paintings, paper lanterns and lamps. Such souvenirs are sold only in special stores operating at elephant farms, we could not find such paper in the markets and shops of the city. The province and the city are also famous as a place where you can buy precious and semiprecious stones and jewelry illegally imported from Myanmar. They are literally packed with markets in the city center next to the bridge over the river Kwai. However, we would not recommend making expensive purchases here, unless you really are an expert on stones. But it is quite possible to buy yourself something as an inexpensive souvenir for a few dollars.

The main tourist trade is concentrated in the city center of Kanchanaburi near the bridge. During the day, there is a large River Kwai Park Market, and several other small markets and individual shops. There are also street vendors, there is a chain supermarket of souvenirs OTOP. Prices vary from different sellers, so you need to go and compare and bargain. By the evening (approximately after 16 o'clock), most of the merchants are winding down, only fast food and small souvenir sellers remain.

If you need to buy something more serious, then on the main city street Sangchuto Raod you will find a Big-C hypermarket, and in the south of the city there is a large Lotus's Go Fresh. The local market Kanchanaburi Town Local Market is open all day near the city bus station. You won't find any tourist goods on it, but there are a lot of cheap consumer goods. Well, don't forget to visit the Kanchanaburi night market at nightfall (usually after 18:00), which, however, is more of an attraction than a place to shop.

Useful information on Kanchanaburi

• Banks and ATMs. There are offices of all major national banks in the city, and their ATMs. They are mainly concentrated in the area of the bus station.
• Currency exchange. There are several currency exchange offices in the city, mainly near the bridge over the River Kwai and on Mae Num Kwai Road. You can also exchange money at banks. The rate is slightly lower than in Bangkok and resorts. Exchange offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00 seven days a week.
• Tourist information. The Tourist Information Office (TAT) is located on Sangchuto road, (office on the map). Here you can get free maps of provinces, tourist brochures and other information, book excursions. Also, maps and brochures can be taken at the counter in the tourist police booth next to the bridge over the River Kwai.
• Nice hostel near the railway station. One of the most convenient places to stop budget tourists is the hostel Sleep Hostel. It is located within walking distance from Kanchanaburi railway station, the night market is almost right next to it, and 10 minutes walk from here to the beginning of the tourist street.